Authorities shut down illegal mining and crusher plant in Kavrepalanchok

Kavrepalanchok. Henzon Dorje Private Limited, which has been operating a mining and crusher industry unauthorized by encroaching on forest land, has been shut down.

The Division Forest Office, Kavrepalanchok, stated that further investigation is underway for legal action against the industry, which was operating illegally in Temal Rural Municipality-1.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the industry has been operating for years, encroaching upon 3.41 hectares, or 67 ropanis, of forest land and conducting illegal excavations. The office is preparing to file a case against the firm.

Division Forest Office Chief Krishna Bahadur Thapa stated that after the company was found guilty during preliminary investigations, an investigation team was formed to accelerate the process. According to him, the team will proceed with filing a case once the investigation into the closed industry is completed and sufficient evidence is gathered.

The office formed an investigation committee led by Forest Officer Harichandra Timalsina of the Sub-Division Forest Office, Namobuddha. Coordinator Timalsina stated that the industry was closed in coordination with the District Administration Office, District Coordination Committee, and District Police Office. He confirmed that Henzon Dorje Private Limited had been encroaching on forest land for years, and the committee is preparing to file a case against the industry within a few days. Following complaints from local residents, monitoring was conducted, and based on the report, charges regarding forest encroachment will be filed against the operators.

The investigation team was tasked with conducting field studies, collecting evidence, and advancing necessary legal procedures. Additionally, the office is technically investigating the total volume of materials extracted by the company from the area to date.

Previously, local residents had repeatedly complained to the District Forest Office and the District Administration Office, alleging that the company was operating a crusher and mining plant by encroaching on forest land. The local administration stated that action was initiated following monitoring and investigation based on these public complaints.

According to the office, the mining and crusher plant was registered and operated under the names of Shankarman Tamang and Shanti Lama of Temal-2, and Ram Panta of Panchkhal Municipality-11.